Mesoamerica Civilizations
Josey & Jeff
Olmec
Olmec, in the modern corruption, means "rubber people." The oldest known Olmec centre, San Lorenzo, was around when the rest of Mesoamerica was in it's Neolithic level, back in 1150 b.c. Humans were present in Mesoamerica as early as 21,000 b.c. Most of the people that inhabited the New World in 11,000 b.c. were hunter-gatherers. Corn was sufficient and productive in the humid and fertile lowlands of southern Veracruz and Tabasco, Mexico, which caused a major diversion in the activities of people in different areas.
Teotihuacan
Although the area was settled around 400 b.c., it did not undergo wide spread urban growth until at least 100 b.c. Central Teotihuacan burned down in about 750 a.d. The Teotihuacan language and origin is still unknown today, even though their cultural influences spread throughout Mesoamerica. The pre-Columbian civilizations were so extraordinary, they are compared with the early civilizations of Egypt, as well as China and Mesopotamia. The city was initially excavated in 1884.
Mayan
At a point in the early 21st century, the 5 million inhabitants spoke over 70 languages. The mayans had settled and developed an agriculture based on corn, beans, and squash, all by 1500 b.c. By 200 c.e., their ceremonial centres had developed into large, thriving cities. The rise of the mayans occured between 250 c.e., and 900 c.e. Scholars discovered several reasons for the destruction of the mayan civilization in the 21st century.